PENARTH took advantage of Howardian’s postponed match to close the gap at the top of the South Wales Women’s League Premier Division One with a 5-0 home win over Dowlais.

Inspired by captain Rachel Baker, the Seasiders enjoyed an abundance of possession and created plenty of chances.

Inevitably these led to goals, with Kirsten Tedder, Kate Morgan, Dona Williams and Caryl James all getting on the scoresheet.

Penarth seconds eased their relegation worries in the same division thanks to a 4-2 home win against Haverfordwest.

The hosts took the lead through a Lisa Duncan penalty following good approach work by Katie Huwson.

However, the visitors were still very much in contention at 2-2, but Penarth, with Charlotte Perry as their driving force, eventually emerged as comfortable winners thanks to further goals from Huwson, Ann Bevan and Rachel Atwell.

Elsewhere around the league and Bridgend strengthened their position at the top of Premier Division Two as goals from Hayley Hillman and Sian Thomas helped them to a 2-1 home win over Newport.

Rhondda moved up into second place in Division One as goals from Jan Jones and Emma Rees secured a 2-1 victory over Cwmtawe, who drop to third.

Howardian may have been without league action after their Premier Division One match with Barry was postponed, but they had no difficulty advancing into the Welsh Cup quarter-finals following a comprehensive 14-1 win at Milford Haven.

The visitors were without a regular goalkeeper, but it hardly seemed to matter as they quickly emphasised the gap in class between themselves and their Division Four hosts.

Howardian led 7-0 at half-time with goals from Laura Please (2), Gemma Meredith (2), Ffion Thomas (2) and Annie Petherick, while the second-half followed a similar pattern as Katy Greenwood (4), Rachel Fido, Charlie Robbins and Natasha Jones added further goals.

Also through to the last eight are Penarth, who were 12-0 winners at Pembroke, Cardiff Athletic, who beat Montgomery 11-0 at home and Whitchurch Saints, who beat Bridgend 3-2 on penalties after their tie had finished at 1-1 after extra time.